The Central Avenue Dance Ensemble is a multi-aged performance group led by Chester Whitmore. Our mission is to perpetuate and promote American Vernacular dances of the 20th Century. These dances include: American street dances such as Leonard Reed’s Shim Sham Shimmy, the Shorty George, the Charleston (1920s) and the Lindy Hop (1920s - 40s). These are in addition to dances derived from them like the Chicago Bop (1960s) which begat Steppin’ (1990s). We aim to show the connections between dance forms from generation to generation and their connection to music and cabaret; to show how American vernacular dances were influenced by African dance and were shaped by spirituality and slavery (liturgical dance) as well as were molded by rhythm and music (tap dance and Salsa). We aim to express the infectious healing qualities of dance, to educate audiences and to spread the joy of dance.
Recent Content:
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CADE Performs at USA Dance LA Halloween Ball
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 1:58pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:26pm
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CADE performs at 2nd Annual Tango On The Streets
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:25pm
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Chester Whitmore and the Central Ave Dance Ensemble perform at Barbara Morrison's Juneteenth Show
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:48pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:24pm
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Sandra Giles: CADE Performs at Sandra Giles Birthday Party
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 7:23pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:23pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at TV Land Awards after party
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 12:58am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:21pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Santa Monica Tango Festival
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 1:08am
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:20pm
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Central Ave Dance Ensemble performs at Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club in LA
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - 2:02pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:18pm
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"HEALING THROUGH MUSIC" STRAIGHT JAZZ WITH A SPLASH OF BLUES
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 6:32pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:17pm
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LACC Dance Concert
Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:09pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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Motor City Jam
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
Thursday, August 20, 2015 - 5:14pm
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Central Avenue Dance Ensemble
“One of the benefits of knowledge is that it is portable: Anything you learn you take with you wherever you go for the rest of your life.”
-Paul Thornhill
Chester Whitmore’s Message
“My approach to dance is life itself, places people and things that have happened in our lifetime and creating dance forms for the audience about feelings, emotions in life 
that they may have overlooked. In addition, I want my dances to purely entertain as well as educate. At this stage in my career, I still have much to contribute to the world of dance as a performer, instructor, choreographer and educator. While I possess many years of experience in all of these areas, and as a music historian, musician and composer, I endeavor endlessly to further develop my skills and share them with others.”
